International Research Networks & Collaborative Partnerships

Urban Health Research Network (UHRN)

Founded and led by Dr. Suzanne Fredericks, the Urban Health Research Network (UHRN) is an interdisciplinary virtual network that brings together  researchers, clinicians, students, and community partners to advance research at the intersection of urban environments, health, and health equity. Through strategic leadership, mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and knowledge exchange, the network strengthens research capacity and supports collaborative scholarship. UHRN also promotes open science, enhances researcher visibility, fosters community partnerships, and integrates equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) principles into research. Collectively, these efforts advance interdisciplinary inquiry and support evidence-informed approaches to complex urban health challenges.

Cardiac Surgery InternatiONal Nursing & AlliEd Professional ResearCh neTwork (CONNECT)

As Co-Founder and Co-Lead of CONNECT and Chair of the CONNECT Education Committee, Dr. Fredericks provides leadership for an international network that connects cardiac surgery nurses and allied health professionals across countries to advance education, research, and collaborative practice. Through the development of international educational initiatives, research methodology training, and scientific programming, CONNECT strengthens global cardiac surgery research capacity while supporting professional development. The network also fosters international mentorship, collaborative supervision, workplace exchange, multisite clinical research, and joint research initiatives. By facilitating cross-border partnerships and knowledge exchange, CONNECT advances global collaboration and promotes equitable access to educational and research opportunities across diverse healthcare settings.

Nursing Knowledge Network (NKN)

Dr. Fredericks is an active member of the Nursing Knowledge Network, an international network dedicated to advancing nursing scholarship, innovation, leadership, and knowledge translation. Participation in this network supports international research collaboration, mentorship, scholarly exchange, and the dissemination of evidence that strengthens nursing practice, education, and research.

International Cardiovascular and Respiratory Alliance  

Dr. Fredericks contributes to the International Cardiovascular and Respiratory Alliance, a global initiative focused on advancing cardiovascular and respiratory care through international collaboration. The alliance supports the development of standardized definitions, clinical guidelines, centres of excellence, international registries, and collaborative research initiatives that strengthen evidence generation and promote excellence in patient care across healthcare settings.